Dunkin Doughnuts changing its ways? Errrrr...
Just read this article about DD. To call it DD, is a step toward allowing it into the pantheon of places that I will go. I tell you what, DD was a life-saver for us on tour, when Starbucks could not be found.
But the honest truth is...the coffee is really bad. Not as bad as Applebee's coffee, but it's pretty worthless. I have no idea what people are talking about when they compare SB's coffe to DD coffee saying 'Dun can's' Joe offering is less bitter. True. It is less bitter, but it also less coffee and more water.
I tried to like coffee as a kid in high school. We'd go to Winsteads and hang out after church youth group, talk joke and drink the horrible American style coffee. hated it. But hanging out with my best friends getting coffee IV'ed into our young amping systems was a treat.
Having gone good coffee, of which Kansas City has a few really, really great cafe's within a few blocks from each other...including a StBks'...which I and other local townies refuse to step in (the Westport StBks), I have been awakened to the reason why the coffee trend is a real deal. It's good. Even SB has good coffee, though their roast is, indeed a bit too overcooked for me to give it a four star. I'd give it a solid 3.5 though... and I'm really talking the regular cupa-joe.
The lattes and other specialty drinks, I only get every oncet in a while. I do not think SB's special menu is worth the huge premium prices. They taste allright, but are wayyy to syrupy for my pallate.
So if one is in the mood for yeuch over-sweet, it may be worthwhile to go to DD, but again. Why would I want to hang at DD's? Totally the LAST resort...other than Applebees, which I'd take over DD's anyway, since they are from KC.

because hanging out is more important than the coffee quality, but if it's a cool hang, AND the joe is pretty darn good, That's when you have a winner.
I'm not saying I wouldn't go to DD's. Sometimes you just have to have coffee, but those are the times when you know you are a coffee addict.
NG
FastCo- Part II: It's Not About the Doughnuts - AOL Money & Finance